Feast of Ss Cyril and Methodius

Ordinary time, Acts 13:46-49

Today is Friday the 14th of February, the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the Nunc dimittis
‘Now, Master, you can let your servant go in peace, just as you promised; for my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all the nations’

Today’s reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.

“To the ends of the earth” … How do you feel when you think about the ends of the earth, about the immensity of the universe? When was the last time you were able to gaze at the night sky? What words come to mind – awe and wonder? … apprehension? … delight? … or is there a feeling that doesn’t need a word? And then imagine how the word of God is spread throughout it all …

Paul and Barnabas say here that their listeners reject the word of God and ‘judge themselves to be unworthy’. Quite often the reason why people reject God’s message is precisely that – they can’t believe they are worthy, they can’t believe the good news that God cares so much for them. Am I ever tempted to think that way? – to doubt God’s message and my importance in God’s plan?

As you hear the reading a second time, imagine yourself in the crowd, standing there listening to Paul and Barnabas. Hear the words that they address, not to a bunch of strangers, but to you.

What would it be like if God said to you that you were wanted for such a mission? Would you doubt your worthiness or your ability to be part of it? What would you need, to be able to do it? What would get in the way of your doing it? Pray for the particular strength that you need at this moment.

About the music

Music: Nunc Dimittis, Lauds of the Transfiguration and Sunday Compline
Artist: The monks of Pluscarden Abbey